Tomato and Olive Penne

This is one of our favorite pasta dishes. Amanda and Jed have a ton of cherry tomatoes right now so we thought we'd make it. I usually use regular olives instead of Kalamata olives (I'm the only one that likes the Kalamatas and regular olives are cheaper). I also omit the crushed red pepper because I'm cooking for kids. Try this recipe you'll love it!

Serves 4

Salt and pepper
1 pound penne, or other short pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic , thinly sliced
2/3 pound (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne according to package instructions until al dente, about 13 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring, until just golden, about 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring, until tomato juices run, about 3 minutes.
Add penne, olives, parsley, and 1/4 cup Parmesan to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve with more cheese if desired.

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 pint heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt
black pepper
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
1 lb fettuccine, prepared as directed

In a medium saucepan, melt butter. When butter is melted, add cream cheese. (Make sure heat is low or cream cheese will curdle). When the cream cheese is softened, add heavy cream. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan. Serve over hot fettucine noodles.

Serving ideas:
Saute chopped red onion, olives, mushrooms, red and green peppers, and penne pasta. Serve with alfredo sauce.

Excellent over spinach and cheese ravioli.